Proposals to build 77 homes off Mepal Road in Sutton look set to be approved despite concerns over village infra-structure being unable to cope.

The application by Linden Homes seeks to build the houses on land adjacent to 43 Mepal Road. Councillors at yesterday’s meeting of East Cambridgeshire District Council’s planning committee were being asked to delegate approval to the planning manager subject to a S106 agreement and conditions.

A report by senior planning officer Julie Barrow points out the application was originally submitted as part of a hybrid application with full planning permission sought for the 77 homes and outline permission for up to 350 homes on land to the north and west of the current application site.

However, the applicants have since withdrawn the outline part of the proposals and are currently just pursuing with the full application.

The site is located on part of the former WW2 Mepal Airfield and is therefore close to three villages: Sutton, Witcham and Mepal.

All three parish councils have said they are concerned the proposed application - which is for 27 more homes the the current Local Plan indicates - cannot be support locally in regards to increase in traffic, school places and capacity at the doctor’s surgery.

Sutton wants conditions applied to any permission to include provision of a burial ground in the village (not necessarily part of the development) and for the open space included in the plans released in the first stage of development.

Witcham council suggests roundabouts are needed at Witcham Toll and Mepal junctions to improve safety and traffic flow.

The planning officer’s report points out the East Cambs Council does not currently have an adequate five year supply of land for housing development therefore all applications should be considered in “terms of the presumption in favour”.

Her report also points out Cambridgeshire County Council has confirmed the planned expansion to the primary school will accommodate the proposed 77 homes. It also highlights concerns that some key road junctins are operating close to capacity and therefore there will be some “minor adverse impact.”